Disney’s Polynesian Resort: South Seas in Central Florida

For those who visit Walt Disney World, the most memorable moments are usually made inside the parks.  Some are made on the rides, some are made walking down Main Street, some are made amongst the many character denizens of the Magic Kingdom and some are made in the most unlikely of places like waiting in line for a turkey leg.  But then again, we must not count out the many themed hotels the resort is famous for.  In my case, there is only one hotel that has brought me many happy memories apart from every other attraction: Disney’s Polynesian Resort Village Hotel.

Why this one place?  Well, for starters, it was the first hotel in Walt Disney World I ever stayed at going all the way back to when I was about 4 or 5 years old.  I had never been to Hawaii or any other island in the Pacific, but I always imagined it to be exactly like the hotel, minus the monorail and artificial waterfalls.  The architecture is so authentic; it captures the feel of the south seas on a grand scale with the iconic roof of the great ceremonial house and the abundance of floral life that evokes a south pacific paradise.  The many annexes of rooms are all named after islands of the pacific like Hawaii, Fiji or Moorea.  For those with extra money, you can book a stay at the overwater bungalows of Bora Bora on the seven seas lagoon.  Ambiance aside, it also has history; it was one of the original hotels when Walt Disney World opened in 1971.  Many resorts and attractions have come and gone, but this is one Disney property that I hope stays around for a long time.  In fact, to close this tropical paradise would be a grand tragedy.  

It has, however, gone through many renovations.  I always say “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”  I loved the Polynesian Resort and all its little features.  The original pool, for example, was perfect.  It had a waterfall and a waterslide that came out of an artificial miniature mountain.  You had to climb a stone staircase through a waterfall, entered what looked like a grotto overlooking the pool and nearby beach, and a grey-colored slide.  So many memories of going up and down that, but alas, it was replaced by a round pool with an artificial volcano.  Sure, the new waterslide looks fun, but it just can’t compare to the classics.  The great ceremonial house used to have a waterfall in the main lobby which had a wonderful, if not incredibly pleasant aroma that filled your head with thoughts of a tropical rainforest after a fresh rain shower.  That too, however, is gone.  Apparently, the excess water created an abundance of mold that had to be addressed.  When I came back to the great ceremonial house, years later, the aroma was still there, thankfully.  But it just feels like something is missing.

The Polynesian Resort also has one thing that no other Disney hotel has: a mascot.  Maui, not to be confused with The Rock’s eponymous demigod from “Moana”, is the cute, little guy seen all over the Polynesian’s property on its doorways, signage, t-shirts, menu covers, and even waste receptacles.  As a kid, I was always mystified by this cute symbol that showed off his prominent headdress and bellybutton; it is why I always referred to him as “Bellybutton person”.

Its food options have certainly evolved over the years.  While its traditional Hawaiian fare remains popular amongst visitors, it has way more than just old-fashioned poi and kaluha pig.  For starters, breakfast is a party with several Disney characters over a plate of French toast smothered in tropical fixins like coconut, banana, mangoes, and passion fruit.  Pair it with a cup of authentic Kona coffee and a cocktail made from the South Seas best fruit and you have a meal fit for a Big Kahuna.  For lunch, belly up to the bar near the monorail doors and dine on a variety of foods inspired by both the far east and the South Seas.  Try a banh mih, a traditional Vietnamese grinder with a variety of ingredients.  Maybe sink your teeth into fried pork ribs or a tuna niçoise.  For a taste of the far east, the Kona Cafe (formerly the Coral Isle Cafe) offers up a dashi, which is a Japanese soup made with a different type of broth and a variety of ingredients like pineapple tofu, bok choy, hot sesame oil, or enoki mushrooms.  For dinner, make reservations for the Ohana, the Polynesian Resort’s premier dinner theatre experience.  Native Hawaiian dances, chants, and fire dancers accompany an island feast of kailua pig, fried rice, grilled pineapple, and other items that would not seem out of place at a Thanksgiving dinner on Oahu’s North Shore.

After hours, when it is time for the adults to come out and play, make your way to the Luau Cove and find the Traders Bar where you’ll find a tiki bar hideaway and enough tropical cocktails to make Don Ho green with envy. For a little extra money, you can get yours served in a ceramic tiki-torch with a light-up ice cube. Whether you’re craving a piña colada, a Singapore Sling, a rumrunner or a simple daiquiri, you cannot go wrong with this place as a way to wind up a day in the South Seas by way of the Magic Kingdom.

Granted, this one of Disney’s more expensive deluxe resorts and bookings here are to be made many months in advance. Staying here won’t come cheap compared to many of the other hotel properties set up throughout the resort. But if you want to do Disney right and have the convenience of a monorail to whisk you away to the theme parks with a side of tropical ambiance, this is really the only place that will do. In fact, for first time visitors to Walt Disney World, consider this hotel as your introduction to the happiest place on earth. Feel free to try the other hotels, but you will most likely end up coming back here.

Aloha!